Déjà vu all over again

Jim and Nancy do not disclose the fact that they will review a restaurant before they attend, ensuring their reviews are unbiased and uninfluenced by their position with the Sun Day.

People often ask us if we will ever run out of restaurants to review. We don’t think so, and let us explain why. The very first restaurant we reviewed two and one half years ago was “A Touch of Italy” in McHenry. Unfortunately, they are no longer in business. That seems to be the fate of some of the establishments that we favorably reviewed. Coincidence? Hmmmm…

This location is now home to the Cucina Rosa Italian Restaurant. Chef and owner, Sal Savanelli, wanted to share some of his family traditions, namely his mother Rosa’s recipes. Hence the name Cucina Rosa.

The dining area has been transformed with a more modern, upscale décor. There are 19 tables that are efficiently serviced by only two waitresses and one very competent busboy.

We were served warm Italian bread with olive oil and Parmesan cheese to nosh on while we perused the menu. We decided to start the evening off with Fried Calamari ($12). It was coated with a very delicious, light and airy batter. The calamari was tender and didn’t resemble rubber bands like some restaurants serve. You may think it a bit pricey, but the portion size can serve four people, or two restaurant critics easily.

Jim saw his favorite dish on the menu, and since it was listed as one of the house favorites, he had to order the Veal Saltimbocca ($18). In case you’ve forgotten, this is veal sauteed in a white wine sauce topped with prosciutto and mozzarella. Mama Rosa’s touch was serving it over asparagus spears. All entrees came with either soup or salad, and he chose Pasta Fagioli.

After spending four days with our three-year-old grandson, Nancy needed some good old comfort food. In her eyes, nothing says comfort like lots and lots of garlic, so she chose the Pasta Your Way ($11). She decided on capellini with broccoli ($3), and shrimp ($7). For her sauce she went with the aglio olio and asked for lots and lots of comforting garlic. Unfortunately, her comfort will cause me discomfort later that night. It is for this reason that I briefly considered having my lawyer draw up a “Cease and Desist” letter to force her to stop eating garlic. I decided against it since that would only be a waste of time and money. She also ordered the Caesar salad (more garlic) for a $2 up-charge, and it was huge.

Now for dessert. Jim wanted the Cannoli Flight and I wanted the Tiramisu. We know we promised not to always order Tiramisu, but we are weak. Jim is not as dumb as he looks, so we ordered Tiramisu ($7). This is when the great debate started…the Tiramisu was out of the ordinary. I’m used to it being light and airy, and this wasn’t. It was heavy with Marscapone and very little ladyfingers. Instead of the usual cocoa on top, they used nutmeg. I took one bite and left the rest for Jim. He loved it and polished off the whole thing bragging all the while how delicious it was.

Nancy won tonight with her pasta dinner. The sauce was buttery with a lot of garlic. The portion was enough for two meals and the price was right. The calamari was a winner too, but we’re still arguing about the Tiramisu.

The price for Mama’s meal was $75.10, mangia!!!

There’s a note on the menu that states, “If you like something, but don’t see it, ask, we aim to please.” You don’t see that too often anymore.

FYI: Handicap accessible and closed on Monday.

Jim’s take: Nancy’s pasta was really good, but it had too much garlic. The Tiramisu was creamy and satisfying, no matter what she says.

Nancy’s take: I don’t know what Jim’s complaining about, I didn’t smell the garlic. That Tiramisu was just WRONG. Jim doesn’t know what he’s talking about!

Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at thediningduo@gmail.com.

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